Invariants of algebraic varieties over imperfect fields (Q2075407)

The author introduces some foundational numerical invariants that measure in how far an integral normal scheme \(X\) over an imperfect field \(k\) of characteristic \(p>0\) may fail to be geometrically normal, or geometrically reduced. Here we assume that \(X\) separated and of finite type, with \(k\) algebraically closed in the function field \(k(X)\). The numbers are tied to the notation of \textit{elemental extension} for \(X\) over \(k\): This is basically a height-one extension \(k\subset l\) where the base-change \(X\otimes_kl\) remains integral, together with the algebraic closure \(k'\) in the new function field, and the resulting normalization \(X'\). This construction already appeared in [\textit{S. Schröer}, Nagoya Math. J. 200, 35--57 (2010; Zbl 1217.14004)]. Tanaka shows that after sufficiently many iterations of certain elemental extensions gives geometrically normal schemes \(X_n\) over \(k_n\). He then introduces three invariants, called \textit{capacity of denormalizing extension} \(\gamma=\gamma(X/k)\), and \textit{Frobenius length of geometric non-reducedness} \(m_F=m_F(X/k)\), and \textit{thickening exponent} \(\epsilon=\epsilon(X/k)\). Here \(\gamma\geq 0\) is the smallest upper bounds for the number of steps in elemental sequences in which the normalization \(X'\to X\otimes_kl\) is not an isomorphism. The integer \(m_F\geq 0\) is the smallest exponent for which the reduction of \(X\otimes_kk^{1/m}\) is geometrically reduced. Finally, \(\epsilon\geq 0\) is the length of the local ring at the generic point for \(X\otimes_kk^{1/p^\infty}\). The author examines the behavior under base-change and morphisms, studies the relation between these invariants and their relation to geometric reducedness and geometric non-reducedness and geometric non-normality. Along the way, the monotonicity of canonical divisors in elemental extension is established. Finally, complete intersections of Fermat hypersurfaces, and curves of low genus are studied as examples.